The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized for highly qualified candidates. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: Assisting with the preparation and protection of sterile fields during surgery. Reviewing and testing instruments and equipment prior to procedures to ensure equipment works. Handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures. Assisting team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and transportation to and from the OR. OR, Education: Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. OR, Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: Assisting with the preparation and protection of sterile fields during surgery. Monitoring and maintaining aseptic techniques throughout surgical procedures. Handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures. Performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies. Handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene, using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures Assisting team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and transportation to and from the OR. OR, Education: Successfully completed one-half year of graduate education (9 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. OR, Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. GS-07 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: Utilizing knowledge of medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect sterile field during surgery. Exercising sterile technique to include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life. Handling medical instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures. Performing proper cleaning techniques, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies. Handling contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene, using knowledge of universal precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures. Properly handling specimens to prevent the loss or damage of specimens and eventual diagnosis. OR, Education: Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the Surgical Technician position such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, aseptic techniques, etc. OR, Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["The Surgical Technician performs the following major duties: Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures to include extremely complex procedures independently. Independently sets up sterile field with all necessary items for each procedure. Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals, including \"Time- out\" procedures, and assures that all supplies and equipment are available before procedure begins. Responsible for vigilant observation of the maintenance of aseptic technique and an environment conducive to the welfare of the surgical patient. Utilizes Standard Precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies and equipment. Takes On-Call assignments, as required, based on unit and specialty needs. Provides guidance and support to Nursing assistants, Clerical Staff, and other Surgical Technicians. Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities. Work Schedule: Schedules include: 40 hours per week; 7:30 AM- 4:00 PM , 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM , AND 1:00 PM -9:30 PM Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/ 09870-A Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing assistance in lifting and positioning patients. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments for the surgeon. Incumbent must be dexterous in \"passing:' instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon. Incumbent may need to wears X-Ray protective lead attire (up to 20 pounds in weight) for prolonged periods of time. May be required to wear special respirator mask in the presence of highly contagious airborne pathogens such as tuberculosis."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
